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spl2d's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Minor: Violence and Blood
maycelium's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Baldree takes the time to really set up his characters (speaking mainly to Viv and Tandri here) and allow them to build their relationship in a way that feels incredibly realistic and natural. Even the side characters that have very little screen time seem like real people. He really did an amazing job of capturing the energy of a local coffeeshop but set in a fantasy world
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Stalking and Sexual harassment
Minor: Violence
hdunscombe's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Toxic relationship, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
sophiesmallhands's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Cursing, Gore, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, and Injury/Injury detail
angorarabbit's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, and Fire/Fire injury
mild injury detail (not fire related), no children or animals are harmedtea_coffee_sam's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Violence, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Xenophobia and Stalking
chainsawmochi's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Main character Viv, a battle worn Orc, hangs up her sword in order to open up a cafe in a bustling riverside city. This is after years and years of fighting, of adventuring and questing. One might think of her as a Dungeons and Dragons playable character--one that has seen enough blood and bone for multiple lifetimes. Now, she is looking for more; she is looking for an actual life for herself. Something she had own, and hold, and love without having to fight off monsters and mages.
Within the pages of "Legends & Lattes" lies the story of Viv's happily ever after. It isn't so easy as that, however; soon she finds herself entangled with foes old and new. Yet, through it all, she begins to collect a loving found family around herself--and discovers that some things are really worth fighting for.
Travis Baldree is a master of storytelling. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every moment of this novel. It had moments of being perfectly raw and loving, along with moments of pulse-pounding intrigue. Viv's journey becomes more than just opening a coffee shop; it becomes a testament to discovering what makes you feel good, feel purposeful and fulfilled. There are beautiful moments of calm within the narrative. These reflective moments are nothing to skip over; they are just as important to the story as the parts with action and tension. There is an ebb and flow that reminds me very much of cozy mystery novels.
"Legends & Lattes" has opened up a whole new world of fantasy to me. I am already craving more cozy fantasy. Hopefully I will be able to find something that is as decadent as this splendid, coffee-flavored story.
Minor: Cursing, Racism, Violence, Blood, Stalking, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
boba_nbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Legends & Lattes was such a cute and fluffy cozy fantasy novel that helped me escape the world for a little bit.
Viv is a retired warrior looking to settle down and start a coffee shop. The only problem is that no one knows what coffee is and she's relying on a potentially fortuitous stone to help her through. Things seem to fall into place as Viv meets Cal, who helps her build up the shop; Tandri, who helps her advertise and serve the customers; and Thimble, who is constantly creating delicious new baked goods. Together, this band of four just might be able to create something so special it can succeed.
Going into this novel, I expected no plot and just vibes. There were definitely a lot of good vibes, found family, and friendship; but there was a bit of a plot with getting the coffee shop up and running as well as Viv's old gang coming back to town. The sapphic romance was a huge slow burn, but it was so sweet and worth the wait. I loved the vibes and the way the story showed how you can start over without forgetting your past.
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Violence and Sexual harassment
alphawolfe13's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Cursing and Violence
Minor: Violence and Stalking
leexpen's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
A retired orc adventurer builds a fantasy-style Starbucks and learns the power of friendship (and love).
🗡❤️🔨☕️🥯🐈👭💰🔥
👍🏻 RECOMMENDATION:
💚 READ it! It's a quick and heartwarming story that makes an excellent palate cleanser.
💬 FAVORITE QUOTES:
[PENDING]
👓 FORMAT:
🎧
📑 COMMENTS:
• This is cozy, slice of life fantasy at its finest! Most of the plot features fairly mundane and low stakes events, and the characters move about their daily lives with surprising regard for one another. Grab a cup of coffee (or tea or cocoa) and let the warmth wash over you.
• It's a fairly short read, but it still could've been shorter with how little plot or character development actually occurs. The fantasy is also more flavor than an actual setting, and it's hilarious (in simultaneously good and bad ways) to encounter a Starbucks being built in a Dungeons & Dragons setting. The story lives in its atmosphere and themes.
• The characters are flat but quirky, featuring races you'll recognize if you're a D&D fan. The romance follows a slow pace, coming across as written by someone who has not experienced a sapphic relationship firsthand, but that should be expected given how blatantly butch an orc protagonist sounds. On that note, stereotypes and racism are key elements directly addressed by the text.
• The menu motif is heartwarming. Even as someone who doesn't drink coffee (sorry!), it's charming to read/hear the menu growing as the characters develop new items to offer their customers.
• Reminds me of Restaraunt to Another World. Yummy!
Moderate: Racism and Violence
Minor: Cursing